Additional effects of pain neuroscience education combined with physiotherapy on the headache frequency of adult patients with migraine: A randomized controlled trial.

Aim To assess the efficacy of pain neuroscience education combined with physiotherapy for the management of migraine.Background Physiotherapy can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine, but the evidence is based only on a few studies. Pain neuroscience education might pose a promising treatment, as it addresses migraine as a chronic pain disease.Methods In this non-blinded randomized controlled trial, migraine patients received physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education or physiotherapy alone, preceded by a three-month waiting period. Primary outcomes were frequency of headache (with and without migraine features), frequency of migraine and associated disability.Results Eighty-two participants were randomized and analyzed. Both groups showed a decrease of headache frequency (p = 0.02, d = 0.46) at post-treatment (physiotherapy: 0.77 days, 95%CI: -0.75 to 2.29 and physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education: 1.25 days, 95%CI: -0.05 to 2.55) and at follow-up (physiotherapy: 1.93, 95%CI: 0.07 to 3.78 and physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education: 3.48 days, 95%CI: 1.89 to 5.06), with no difference between groups (p = 0.26, d = 0.26). Migraine frequency was reduced significantly in the physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education group, and not in the physiotherapy group, at post-treatment (1.28 days, 95%CI: 0.34 to 2.22, p = 0.004) and follow-up (3.05 days, 95%CI: 1.98 to 5.06, p < 0.0001), with a difference between groups at follow-up (2.06 days, p = 0.003). Migraine-related disability decreased significantly in both groups (physiotherapy: 19.8, physiotherapy + pain neuroscience education: 24.0 points, p < 0.001, d = 1.15) at follow-up, with no difference between groups (p = 0.583). Secondary outcomes demonstrated a significant effect of time with no interaction between time and group. No harm or adverse events were observed during the study.Conclusion In comparison to physiotherapy alone, pain neuroscience education combined with physiotherapy can further reduce the frequency of migraine, but had no additional effect on general headache frequency or migraine-related disability.Trial Registration The study was pre-registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00020804).

Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of the Flexion Rotation Test and Cervical Range of Motion in People With Migraine.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC) of the flexion rotation test (FRT) and cervical range of motion (CROM) assessed with the CROM device in individuals with and without migraine. METHODS: Twenty-five women with migraine (mean age, 35 years; standard deviation, 10 years) and 25 comparable headache-free women (mean age, 32 years; standard deviation, 11 years) participated in this study. C1/C2 mobility was assessed with the FRT, whereas global cervical range of motion was calculated using a CROM device. To assess the interrater reliability, tests were conducted on the same day at 20-minute intervals, by 2 independent assessors, and they were repeated after a 1-week interval by the same assessor to evaluate the intrarater reliability. The mean value of 3 repetitions was used to calculate the intraclass correlation coefficient ICC(2,k), SEM, and SDC. RESULTS: The intrarater reliability was excellent (ICC > 0.83), and interrater reliability ranged from substantial to excellent (ICC > 0.77) for the FRT. The SEM ranged from 2.44° to 2.85°, and the SDC from 6.78° to 7.9°. Intrarater and interrater reliability for cervical range of motion was substantial to excellent (ICC > 0.65), with the SEM ranging from 2.03° to 5.46° and the SDC from 5.6° to 15.14°. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that FRT and global cervical range of motion with a CROM device show high reliability in individuals with migraine. In addition, the SEM and SDC were relatively small. Both assessments can be used for clinical evaluation of the cervical spine in individuals with migraine.

Is the presence of neck pain associated with more severe clinical presentation in patients with migraine? A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the presence of self-reported neck pain in patients with migraine and clinical features, upper cervical mobility, and neck muscle performance. METHODS: A total of 142 patients with migraine were recruited and stratified by the presence (n = 99) or absence of self-reported neck pain (n = 43). The clinical examination included the Migraine Disability Assessment, the 12-item Allodynia Symptom Checklist, a flexion rotation test, and the Craniocervical Flexion Test. RESULTS: Migraine-related disability was reported by more than 80% in both groups (p = 0.82). However, there was a greater prevalence and severity of cutaneous allodynia observed in the group with neck pain (p < 0.001). Reduced upper cervical mobility was verified in 67% of the patients with neck pain and in 41% of those without neck pain (p = 0.005). In addition, 67% of the patients with neck pain and 40% without neck pain were not able to maintain the third stage of the Craniocervical Flexion Test without compensation (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of self-reported neck pain in patients with migraine was associated with a poor clinical presentation regarding cutaneous allodynia, neck mobility, and muscle function. However, there were no differences in migraine-related disability.

Kinesiophobia Is Associated with Migraine.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess kinesiophobia in patients with migraine and to determine its association and correlation with cutaneous allodynia and clinical manifestations of migraine. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: A headache clinic of a university-based hospital. SUBJECTS: Eighty-nine patients diagnosed with migraine by a neurologist specialized in headache. METHODS: Patients completed the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and the 12-item Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC-12) and described the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine attacks, as well as number of years with migraine. RESULTS: The prevalence of kinesiophobia was 53%, and it was associated with the classification of severe cutaneous allodynia (X2= 9.96, P = 0.02) but not with its presence (X2= 3.11, P = 0.07). Kinesiophobia and clinical migraine features were not significantly associated (P > 0.05), nor were TSK score, ASC-12 score, or clinical migraine features (r < 0.21, P > 0.05). Subjects with migraine, with or without kinesiophobia, believed that physical activity could not help to control or relieve their pain, and those with kinesiophobia, furthermore, believed that exercise may be harmful. CONCLUSIONS: Kinesiophobia is present in about half of migraineurs. It was associated with worsened cutaneous allodynia severity, but not with its presence, in patients with migraine. Education strategies should be implemented as negative beliefs related to exercise are present despite its evidence of benefit in migraine treatment.

Relationship Between Headaches and Neck Pain Characteristics With Neck Muscle Strength.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the correlations between neck muscle strength and pain features, such as neck-related disability, neck pain frequency and intensity, and headache frequency in women with headache. METHODS: Seventy women with migraine between 18 and 55 years of age diagnosed according to International Headache Society criteria were assessed. Participants provided clinical information regarding neck pain and headache. The Neck Disability Index was used to assess neck-related disability, and neck muscle strength was assessed via maximum voluntary contraction during flexion, extension, and lateral flexion with a handheld dynamometer. The correlation was verified with Spearman's correlation coefficient (ρ). Multiple linear regression was performed to verify whether the clinical variables could predict the strength of neck muscles. All calculations were performed adopting a level of significance of 0.05. RESULTS: Neck extensor strength was negatively correlated with all clinical variables (ρrange = -.24 to -.32, p < .05); lateral flexor strength was negatively correlated with headache frequency, neck pain intensity, and neck-related disability (ρrange = -.27 to -.39, p < .05); and flexor strength also correlated negatively with neck pain intensity and related disability (ρr = -.26 to -.29, p < .05). Headache frequency and neck pain intensity were identified as significant predictors of the strength variability in extension (R2 = 0.16, p < .05) and in lateral flexion (R2 = 0.18, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: For the women with migraine in this study, correlations of headache and neck pain with neck muscle strength features were weakly to moderately negative. Headache frequency and neck pain intensity may influence a small proportion of the strength variability in extension and lateral flexion.

Intrarater and Inter-rater Reliability of Maximal Voluntary Neck Muscle Strength Assessment Using a Handheld Dynamometer in Women With Headache and Healthy Women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the inter-rater and intrarater reliability, agreement, and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the neck muscle strength test using a handheld dynamometer in healthy women and women with headaches. METHODS: Neck muscle strength in maximal voluntary contraction was measured using the Lafayette Manual Muscle Testing attached to a nonelastic belt in 25 women with migraines and in 25 healthy women. Three repetitions of flexion, extension, and lateral flexion were performed. The tests were performed by 2 examiners on the same day, with a 10-minute interval, and by 1 examiner, with a 1-week interval. The reliability was verified by the intraclass correlation coefficient, the agreement determined by standard error measurement, and the MDC calculated. RESULTS: The protocol exhibited moderate to excellent intrarater and inter-rater reliabilities in both groups (intraclass correlation coefficientrange, 0.53-0.90). The standard error measurement ranged from 0.43 to 1.81 and the MDC from 1.49 up to 4.61. CONCLUSION: Quantification of neck muscle strength using the handheld dynamometer with an attached nonelastic belt exhibited moderate to excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability in women with and without migraines. Moreover, the standard error measurement and MDC were proven to be useful in the interpretation of data and in guiding clinical decisions.

Association Between Severity of Temporomandibular Disorders and the Frequency of Headache Attacks in Women With Migraine: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the magnitude of association of the severity of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in women with episodic and chronic migraine. METHODS: Thirty-one women with episodic migraine (mean age: 33 years), 21 with chronic migraine (mean age: 35 years) and 32 healthy controls (mean age: 31 years) were included. The Fonseca Anamnestic Index was applied to assess severity of TMDs. TMD severity was considered as follows: no TMD (0-19 points), mild TMD (20-49 points), moderate TMD (50-69 points), and severe TMD (70-100 points). To compare the proportion of TMD severity among groups, a χ2 test was performed. Prevalence ratio (PR) was calculated to determine the association of TMD severity and both migraine groups using the control group as the reference. RESULTS: Women with chronic and episodic migraine were more likely to exhibit TMD signs and symptoms of any severity than healthy controls (χ2 = 30.26; P < .001). TMD prevalence was 54% for healthy controls, 78% for episodic migraine, and 100% for chronic migraine. Women with chronic migraine exhibited greater risk of more severe manifestations of TMD than healthy controls (PR: 3.31; P = .008). This association was not identified for episodic migraine (PR: 2.18; P = .101). CONCLUSION: The presence of TMD signs and symptoms was associated with migraine independently of the frequency; however, the magnitude of the association of more severe TMD was significantly greater in chronic, but not episodic, migraine.

Additional Effects of a Physical Therapy Protocol on Headache Frequency, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Improvement Perception in Patients With Migraine and Associated Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the additional effect provided by physical therapy in migraine treatment. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary university-based hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Among the 300 patients approached, 50 women (age range, 18-55y) diagnosed with migraine were randomized into 2 groups: a control group (n=25) and a physiotherapy plus medication group (n=25) (N=50). INTERVENTIONS: Both groups received medication for migraine treatment. Additionally, physiotherapy plus medication patients received 8 sessions of physical therapy over 4 weeks, comprised mainly of manual therapy and stretching maneuvers lasting 50 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A blinded examiner assessed the clinical outcomes of headache frequency, intensity, and self-perception of global change and physical outcomes of pressure pain threshold and cervical range of motion. Data were recorded at baseline, posttreatment, and 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients experienced side effects from the medication. Both groups reported a significantly reduced frequency of headaches; however, no differences were observed between groups (physiotherapy plus medication patients showed an additional 18% improvement at posttreatment and 12% improvement at follow-up compared with control patients, P>.05). The reduction observed in the physiotherapy plus medication patients was clinically relevant at posttreatment, whereas clinical relevance for control patients was demonstrated only at follow-up. For pain intensity, physiotherapy plus medication patients showed statistical evidence and clinical relevance with reduction posttreatment (P<.05). In addition, they showed better self-perception of global change than control patients (P<.05). The cervical muscle pressure pain threshold increased significantly in the physiotherapy plus medication patients and decreased in the control patients, but statistical differences between groups were observed only in the temporal area (P<.05). No differences were observed between groups regarding cervical range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: We cannot assume that physical therapy promotes additional improvement in migraine treatment; however, it can increase the cervical pressure pain threshold, anticipate clinically relevant changes, and enhance patient satisfaction.

Cervical Muscle Strength and Muscle Coactivation During Isometric Contractions in Patients With Migraine: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study investigated potential differences in cervical musculature in groups of migraine headaches vs. non-headache controls. Differences in cervical muscle strength and antagonist coactivation during maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) were analyzed between individuals with migraine and non-headache subjects and relationships between force with migraine and neck pain clinical aspects. METHOD: A customized hand-held dynamometer was used to assess cervical flexion, extension, and bilateral lateral flexion strength in subjects with episodic migraine (n=31), chronic migraine (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 31). Surface electromyography (EMG) from sternocleidomastoid, anterior scalene, and splenius capitis muscles were recorded during MIVC to evaluate antagonist coactivation. Comparison of main outcomes among groups was conducted with one-way analysis of covariance with the presence of neck pain as covariable. Correlations between peak force and clinical variables were demonstrated by Spearman's coefficient. RESULTS: Chronic migraine subjects exhibited lower cervical extension force (mean diff. from controls: 4.4 N/kg; mean diff from episodic migraine: 3.7 N/kg; P = .006) and spent significantly more time to generate peak force during cervical flexion (mean diff. from controls: 0.5 seconds; P = .025) and left lateral-flexion (mean diff. from controls: 0.4 seconds; mean diff. from episodic migraine: 0.5 seconds; P = .007). Both migraine groups showed significantly higher antagonist muscle coactivity of the splenius capitis muscle (mean diff. from controls: 20%MIVC, P = .03) during cervical flexion relative to healthy controls. Cervical extension peak force was moderately associated with the migraine frequency (rs: -0.30, P = .034), neck pain frequency (rs: -0.26, P = .020), and neck pain intensity (rs: -0.27, P = .012). CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic migraine exhibit altered muscle performance, took longer to reach peak of force during some cervical movements, and had higher coactivation of the splenius capitis during maximal isometric cervical flexion contraction. Finally, patients with migraine reported the presence of neck and head pain complaints during maximal isometric voluntary cervical contractions.

Generalized Pressure Pain Hypersensitivity in the Cervical Muscles in Women with Migraine.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in pressure sensitivity in the cervical musculature including the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, suboccipital, levator scapulae, and anterior scalene muscles between women with migraine and healthy controls. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Thirty women with migraine and 30 healthy women participated. METHODS: Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were bilaterally assessed over upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, suboccipital, levator scapulae, and anterior scalene muscles in a blinded design. Mean values of both sides were pooled for statistical analysis. Comparison between groups was performed by unpaired Student t-test and correlation with headache features with Spearman's correlation test. RESULTS: Migraine patients exhibited lower PPT in all muscles compared with controls: upper trapezius (P = 0.046); suboccipital (P < 0.001); sternocleidomastoid (P < 0.001); anterior scalene (P < 0.001), and levator scapulae (P < 0001). No associations were observed between the frequency and the intensity of migraine or years with the disease and PPT. CONCLUSION: This study showed generalized pressure pain hypersensitivity in the cervical musculature in women with migraine. Our findings provide support for the physical therapy treatment and evaluation of musculoskeletal cervical spine disorders in individuals with migraine and reinforce that all cervical muscles should be evaluated.

Measurement proprieties of the CROM instrument for assessing head posture, neck retraction and protraction.

BACKGROUND: The CROM instrument is widely used clinically and in research to measure neck range of motion. However, its measurement proprieties during the assessment of protraction and retraction movements were not examined so far. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the intra- and inter-rater reliability, the concurrent validity of the CROM for measuring head posture, retraction and protraction in healthy subjects. METHODS: Thirty-three asymptomatic subjects were recruited and assigned in a random order to one of two raters. After a 10-min break, they were examined by a second rater (Assessment 1). After a 30-min break, both raters repeated the examination (Assessment 2). The examination consisted of measuring the head posture, maximum head protraction and maximum retraction. Each movement was repeated 3 times and measured simultaneously with the CROM and with a 3D capture system laboratory. RESULTS: The intra-rater reliability of the CROM was excellent for both raters for head posture and all head movements (ICC>0.9, 95% CI: 0.82-0.99, p < 0.01). The inter-rater reliability was excellent for head posture (ICC>0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98, p < 0.01) and good-to-excellent for all movements at both time-points (ICC = 0.73-0.98, 95%CI: 0.45-0.99, p < 0.01). The validity analysis showed moderate-to-strong correlation between instruments for the head posture and head movements [(r) = -0.47 to -0.78), 95% CI: 0.99 to -0.24, p < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: The CROM instrument has good-to-excellent reliability and adequate validity for measuring cervical position and displacement in the sagittal plane.

Reliability and construct validity of the Craniocervical Flexion Test in patients with migraine.

BACKGROUND: Migraine may be accompanied by several cervical musculoskeletal dysfunctions, for example an altered performance on the Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT). However, CCFT measurement properties are still unclear in patients with migraine. OBJECTIVES: To determine intra- and inter-examiner reliability, construct validity, standard measurement error (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the CCFT in patients with migraine. METHODS: Women diagnosed with migraine were considered eligible for this study. Participants were assessed by two examiners for the inter-examiner reliability, and with 7-10 days interval for the intra-examiner reliability. Construct validity was assessed considering headache and neck pain frequency and intensity, and self-reported questionnaires, including the Headache Impact Test - 6 items (HIT-6), the 12-item Allodynia Symptom Checklist/Brazil (ASC-12), and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). In addition, participants performed cervical endurance and maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the cervical flexors. RESULTS: A total of 103 women with migraine were recruited. The intra-examiner reliability was rated as good (ICC= 0.81, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.87), while the inter-examiner reliability was rated as moderate (ICC= 0.55, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.67). The intra and inter-examiner SEM were 1.31 and 1.36 mmHg respectively, and MDC were 3.63 and 3.77 mmHg. The HIT-6 and the cervical endurance flexion test were associated with the CCFT in a multiple linear regression model (p = 0.004, R = 0.35). CONCLUSION: The CCFT presents adequate intra- and inter-examiner reliability. Better performance on the CCFT test was associated with better HIT-6 scores and greater cervical endurance time, which was not influenced by the presence of neck pain.

Balance alterations are associated with neck pain and neck muscle endurance in migraine.

BACKGROUND: Migraine patients may present with both cervical and balance dysfunctions. The neck plays an important role in balance by providing substantial proprioceptive input, which is integrated in the central nervous system and influences the balance control systems. Whether balance and neck dysfunctions are associated in patients with migraine is still to be explored. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the association between the sensory organization test of balance with neck pain features, cervical strength, endurance, and range of motion in patients with migraine. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with migraine underwent the sensory organization test assessed with the Equitest-Neurocom® device. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction, cervical flexion and extension range of motion, and cervical flexor and extensor endurance were assessed. In addition, the features of migraine and neck pain were collected. Patients were dichotomized according to cut-off scores of balance performance and the association between outcomes were explored. RESULTS: Patients with reduced balance performance presented a higher frequency of migraine (p = 0.035), a higher frequency of aura (p = 0.002), greater neck pain intensity (p = 0.013), and decreased endurance of cervical flexors (p = 0.010) and extensors (p < 0.0001). The total balance score was correlated with age (r = -0.33; p = 0.007), migraine frequency (r = -0.29; p = 0.021), neck pain intensity (r = -0.26; p = 0.038), and endurance of the cervical flexors (r = 0.39; p = 0.001) and extensors (r = 0.36; p = 0.001). Migraine frequency, neck pain intensity, and endurance of the cervical flexors can predict 21% of the sensory organization test variability. CONCLUSION: Neck pain features and endurance of the cervical muscles are related to reduced balance performance in patients with migraine. These results shed light to a better understanding of balance alterations in migraine patients.

White Matter Lesions Identified by Magnetic Resonance in Women with Migraine: A Volumetric Analysis and Clinical Correlations.

BACKGROUND: Repeated migraine attacks and aura could independently cause structural changes in the central nervous system. Our research aims to study the correlation of migraine type, attack frequency, and other clinical variables with the presence, volume and localization of white matter lesions (WML), in a controlled study. METHODS: Sixty volunteers from a tertiary headache center were selected and divided equally into four groups: episodic migraine without aura (MoA), episodic migraine with aura (MA), chronic migraine (CM) and controls (CG). Voxel-based morphometry techniques were used to analyze WML. RESULTS: There were no differences in WML variables between groups. There was a positive correlation between age and the number and total volume of WMLs, which persisted in the comparison categorized by size and brain lobe. Disease duration was positively correlated with the number and total volume of WML, and when controlled by age, the correlation maintained significance only for the insular lobe. Aura frequency was associated with frontal and temporal lobe WMLs. There was no statistically significant correlation between WML and other clinical variables. CONCLUSION: Migraine overall is not a risk factor for WML. Aura frequency is, however, associated with temporal WML. Disease duration, in adjusted analyses that account for age, is associated with insular WML.

Vestibular Function and Clinical Presentation of Dizziness: Are They Similar in Patients With Different Types of Migraine?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the vestibular function and clinical aspects (vestibular and migraine symptoms) of patients divided into three groups-migraine without aura, migraine with aura, and chronic migraine-and a control group by using electronystagmography and a design questionnaire. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Women aged between 18 and 55 years diagnosed with migraine with aura, migraine without aura, or chronic migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders ICHD-third edition; diagnosis was made by a headache specialist. The control group consisted of patients' family members and hospital employees without a personal history of headache. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Application of a questionnaire regarding vestibular symptoms and their relation to migraine aspects. Assessment of the vestibular function by electronystagmography. RESULTS: This study evaluated 120 female patients. Dizziness was the most prevalent vestibular symptom in all the migraine groups, with higher prevalence in the episodic migraine with aura and chronic migraine groups. Phonophobia and photophobia during vestibular symptoms also had greater prevalence in the latter groups. Electronystagmography tests did not reveal differences among the groups, but clinical stratification showed that tests with mixed etiology abnormalities were more prevalent in the episodic migraine with aura and chronic migraine groups. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of vestibular symptoms in the migraine groups and the etiology of vestibular impairment highlight that migraine affects the vestibular system. Our findings suggest that symptom progression and vestibular impact are related to migraine chronicity and presence of aura.

Noninvasive intracranial pressure monitoring in women with migraine.

This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the waveform morphology through noninvasive intracranial pressure (ICP-NI) measurement between patients with migraine and controls, and to analyze the association with clinical variables. Twenty-nine women with migraine, age 32.4 (11.2) years and headache frequency of 12.6 (7.5) days per month and twenty-nine women without headache, age 32.1 (9.0) years, were evaluated. Pain intensity, migraine disability, allodynia, pain catastrophizing, central sensitization and depression were evaluated. The ICP-NI monitoring was performed by a valid method consisting of an extracranial deformation sensor positioned in the patients' scalp, which allowed registration of intracranial pressure waveforms. Heart rate and blood pressure measurements were simultaneously recorded during 20 min in the supine position. The analyzed parameter was the P2/P1 ratio based on mean pulse per minute which P1 represents the percussion wave related to the arterial blood pression maximum and P2 the tidal wave, middle point between the P1 maximum and the dicrotic notch. There was no between-groups difference in the P2/P1 ratio (mean difference: 0.04, IC95%: -0.07 to 0.16, p = 0.352, F (1,1) = 0.881) adjusted by body mass index covariable. The Multiple Linear Regression showed non-statistical significance [F (5,44) = 1.104; p = 0.372; R2 = 0.11)] between the P2/P1 ratio and body mass index, presence of migraine, central sensitization, pain catastrophizing and depression. We found no correlation (p > 0.05) between P2/P1 ratio and migraine frequency, migraine onset, pain intensity, pain intensity at day of examination, disability, allodynia. Migraine patients did not present alterations in the waveform morphology through ICP-NI compared to women without headache and no association with clinical variables was found.

Impairment on Cardiovascular Autonomic Modulation in Women with Migraine.

Autonomic dysfunction, such as reduced vagally mediated heart rate variability, has been suggested in headache patients but is still uncertain when considering primary headache disorders. This study aims to compare the heart rate and blood pressure variability and baroreflex sensitivity between women with migraine and controls. A migraine (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20) of age-matched women without headache were evaluated. Heart rate variability was analyzed through frequency-domain using spectral analysis presenting variance, low-frequency (LF; 0.04-0.15 Hz) and high-frequency (HF; 0.15-0.4 Hz) bands and by time domain (root mean square of successive R-R interval differences, RMSSD). Blood pressure variability was analyzed with spectral analysis and baroreflex sensitivity with the sequence method. Migraine group had lower heart rate variability characterized by a reduction in total variance, LF oscillations (sympathetic/vagal modulation) and HF oscillations (vagal modulation), and a reduction in SD and RMSSD compared to control group. No difference was found in the blood pressure variability analysis. Regarding baroreflex sensitivity, migraine group had decreased values of total gain, gain down and up compared to control group. Women with migraine exhibited autonomic modulation alterations, expressed by decreased values of heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity, but not by differences in blood pressure variability.

Accelerometer data collected with a minimum set of wearable sensors from subjects with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with motor and non-motor symptoms. Current treatments primarily focus on managing motor symptom severity such as tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. However, as the disease progresses, treatment side-effects can emerge such as on/off periods and dyskinesia. The objective of the Levodopa Response Study was to identify whether wearable sensor data can be used to objectively quantify symptom severity in individuals with PD exhibiting motor fluctuations. Thirty-one subjects with PD were recruited from 2 sites to participate in a 4-day study. Data was collected using 2 wrist-worn accelerometers and a waist-worn smartphone. During Days 1 and 4, a portion of the data was collected in the laboratory while subjects performed a battery of motor tasks as clinicians rated symptom severity. The remaining of the recordings were performed in the home and community settings. To our knowledge, this is the first dataset collected using wearable accelerometers with specific focus on individuals with PD experiencing motor fluctuations that is made available via an open data repository.

Limb and trunk accelerometer data collected with wearable sensors from subjects with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Dyskinesia and motor fluctuations are complications of PD medications. An objective measure of on/off time with/without dyskinesia has been sought for some time because it would facilitate the titration of medications. The objective of the dataset herein presented is to assess if wearable sensor data can be used to generate accurate estimates of limb-specific symptom severity. Nineteen subjects with PD experiencing motor fluctuations were asked to wear a total of five wearable sensors on both forearms and shanks, as well as on the lower back. Accelerometer data was collected for four days, including two laboratory visits lasting 3 to 4 hours each while the remainder of the time was spent at home and in the community. During the laboratory visits, subjects performed a battery of motor tasks while clinicians rated limb-specific symptom severity. At home, subjects were instructed to use a smartphone app that guided the periodic performance of a set of motor tasks.

Physical therapy and migraine: musculoskeletal and balance dysfunctions and their relevance for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a primary headache with high levels of associated disability that can be related to a variety of symptoms and comorbidities. The role of physical therapy in the management of migraine is largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight and critically discuss the current literature and evidence for physical therapy interventions in individuals with migraines. METHODS: A narrative review of the literature was performed. RESULTS: Physical therapists assessing and treating patients with migraine should focus on two primary aspects: (1) musculoskeletal dysfunctions, and (2) vestibular symptoms/postural control impairment. Signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal and/or vestibular dysfunctions are prevalent among individuals with migraines and different disability levels can be observed depending on the presence of aura or increment of the migraine attacks. CONCLUSION: A proper physical examination and interview of the patients will lead to a tailored treatment plan. The primary aim regarding musculoskeletal dysfunctions is to reduce pain and sensitization, and physical therapy interventions may include a combination of manual therapy, exercise therapy, and education. The aim regarding postural control impairment is to optimize function and reduce vestibular symptoms, and interventions should include balance exercises and vestibular rehabilitation. However, consistent evidence of benefits is still lacking due to the lack of and therefore need for tailored and pragmatic clinical trials with high methodological quality.